12-15-24 “What Should We Do?”

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“What Should We Do?”

I want to start with something funny. At a Christmas Eve service, a pastor, quizzing some children about the nativity, asked, “What gifts did the three wise men give the Christ child?” “Gold!” one child yelled. “Frankincense!” shouted another. After a pause, a third asked, “Gift cards?”

This joke reminds me to ask: What are you going to prepare for Jesus? I have a Christmas cactus. As you may know, it begins flowering during Advent and comes into full bloom around Christmas Day. Its blossoms bring cheer and joy to those who see them, reminding us that this is the season to prepare for Jesus. Yes, even a plant prepares for Christmas.

Today is the third Sunday of Advent. We lit the third candle, symbolizing joy, as we prepare for Christ’s arrival. One of my favorite scriptures comes from Philippians, a letter written by the Apostle Paul while imprisoned in Rome for preaching about Jesus Christ. Despite his circumstances, Paul exhorts, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:4-5). How was Paul able to rejoice in such a circumstance? Can you imagine being unjustly imprisoned and still finding a way to rejoice? This is the mystery of faith in God. Let us delve deeper into today’s scripture.

In today’s scripture, John the Baptist challenges those seeking baptism, saying, “Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham” (Luke 3:8).

The Jewish people believed their lineage made them God’s chosen people. But John reminds them—and us—that privilege is not a guarantee of righteousness. We are God’s people, not because of our abilities or works, but only by His grace. This calls us to humility and a deeper understanding of God’s work.

When John warns, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Luke 3:9), the crowd asks, “What should we do?” His answer is simple yet profound: “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise” (Luke 3:11). Sharing with those in need is the way to bear good fruit.

Then tax collectors came to be baptized and asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” John replied, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “What should we do?” He answered, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusations.” For leaders and those in power, bearing fruit means practicing justice and walking humbly with God. Each of us is called to carry out God’s work in our own places. This is how we bear good fruit in our daily lives. In other words, it is how we prepare for the Lord.

We see an example of joy in daily life through the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-34). You may know the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-34). When Jesus and His disciples arrived in the city of Samaria, they were weary from their journey and decided to rest near Jacob’s well. While His disciples went into the city to buy food, Jesus sat by the well. A woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink. At that time, Jewish men typically did not speak with Samaritans, so the woman was surprised by His request. Eventually, she realized that He was the Messiah. Believing in Him, she left her jar at the well and went into the city to share the good news, saying, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?”

Her joy in spreading the good news energized Jesus as well. When the disciples urged Him to eat, He replied, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to complete His work” (John 4:34). Doing God’s work brought Jesus joy, even when He was physically tired.

God’s work should energize us with joy, not lead to burnout. Yet, we sometimes feel burdened, which can cause miscommunication, frustration, or even harm. If you feel overwhelmed, pause, pray and refocus on God’s will. His work is not driven by anger or anxiety but by joy and gentleness.

As Paul says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Let me share a story of joyful giving. Sam, a little boy, loved Christmas—not for the gifts he would receive, but for those he could give. With little money but a big heart, he found a box of mismatched socks in his attic. Inspired, he crafted them into quirky sock puppets, each unique with buttons for eyes and ribbons for hair.

On Christmas Eve, Sam delivered his puppets door-to-door, surprising his neighbors. Each puppet came with a note: “This little puppet may not be perfect, but it’s made with love, just like you are in God’s eyes. Merry Christmas!”

By Christmas morning, the neighborhood was alive with laughter and puppet shows. Sam’s simple, imperfect gifts brought joy and unity, reminding everyone that Christmas is about love, creativity, and giving from the heart.

Sam’s story points us to God’s ultimate gift—Jesus. Born humbly, He brought immeasurable joy and salvation to the world. Like Sam’s puppets, our imperfect offerings can bring love and light to others.

This season, let us ask God, “What should we do?” and seek ways to share joy, kindness, and love. May this Christmas be your most joyous yet, filled with blessings for you and your loved ones. Thanks be to God. Amen.